It isn't that often that a video game gets me pumped up for a race. Now, I am not much of a "gamer ", but as I was laying on the couch tonight I remembered that I had downloaded a game called "The Walking Dead". It must have been months ago that I did this it, because I honestly don't even remember doing so. As the game loaded, I was greeted to eerie music, blood spattered backgrounds, and then… Zombies!

After a few years of being unable to attend, I am finally registered for the Zombie Apocalypse Run. This 5k (and 1.5k), which is being held at Heiser Farms in Dayton, continues to grow each year, and with good reason. This years event is expected to draw over 2000 participants.

For those of you unfamiliar, upon registering for the event, you get to decide if you want to be a "survivor" or a "Zombie". Survivors are decked out with a belt and two flags attached to their waists. They receive a two minute head start to frantically get ahead of the swarm of zombies that will soon be on the tail. After those two minutes are up, the Zombies are let loose with one objective: to kill!...(or steal flags). The first survivor who crosses the finish line with at least one flag (think of it as limping across the line after a battle with the undead), wins the survivor category. The Zombie, who crosses the finish line first with at least one fleshy-flag, receives first place in the Zombie category. There will also be an award doled out to the Zombie who kills the most people...(ends up with the most flags), as well as a variety of costume awards.

Check out a review of last year's event by Joe, as well as by blog contributer Brian. Race Directors take the experience and theatrics very seriously. Last year the signal to start was a tank blast, and there was a helicopter hovering over survivors and ushering them into the "quarantine area". There were also soldiers walking along the course and keeping the Zombies under lock until necessary. This is not just a race, but an experience. The course itself will meander through parts of the corn maze, gravel road, into the woods, along pumpkin patches, and up small hills. No, this is not your normal 5K road race.

A few crazy fast people (or just crazy in general), are actually planning to start off running and escaping Zombies, before turning into one themselves and running the course again attempting to feast on the stragglers! Get in the mood by checking out some pictures here.

While dogs are not allowed, feel free to deck out your toddlers in their best undead regalia and push them along in a survivor-crushing stroller. In fact, despite the fact that there will be Zombies everywhere, this truly is a family event. Spectators will actually be able to watch runners throughout the course on a live WebCam as well as on the website in real time for those not able to make it out. Now that's pretty cool.

Prior to the race, there will be a kids costume contest and kids race ($15). There will also be an adult costume contest preceding the race as well. Following the race expect will be live music courtesy of 97.1 FM, a bonfire, dancing, and food from local Portland food carts and other providers (including Rogue Brewery and Voodoo Donuts).

Remember to be on the lookout this weekend for Zombies at Hood to Coast. They will be out there with goodies and photo opportunities. Follow their Facebook page and don't forget about their awesome contest!